The coronavirus is having a massive impact on our everyday lives. With these instructions, even beginners can sew a face mask in just a few minutes. In this post, you will find two different pattern variations (including instructions and video) for a face mask – simply download them as a free PDF and get started.
The most important things at a glance
- How to proceed now: Download the template for Variation 1 or Variation 2 below. The PDF contains the sewing template and the pictorial instructions. There is also a video tutorial for both variations below
- Variation 2 (without bias tape and nose bridge) is particularly popular
- Beginners can sew both versions of the improvised mask in about 15–20 minutes
- You can also sew both mask variations using antibacterial shield fabric
- Below you will find important information and tips on fabrics and accessories for the protective mask
- Important: The face mask does not comply with the hygiene requirements of the Robert Koch Institute
- By the way, we have even more mask tutorials: sew a face mask with a viewing window, make a mask without sewing, sew a mask for glasses wearers, sew an everyday fabric mask, sew an origami mask
In this tutorial, I will show you two sewing variations for making your own breathing mask:
Variation 1 is sewn with bias tape and a nose bridge and is pleated. I will show you the steps for face masks with rounded and straight corners.
Variation 2 is a mask that fits snugly to the face and is sewn by turning it inside out. It does not require any sewing on of bias tape or metal nose bridges.
Important Corona note: This is not a face mask that meets the hygiene requirements of the Robert Koch Institute. The fabric mask does not filter germs from the air you breathe.
As measurements for the face mask pattern, I (once a nurse, always a nurse) have used the edge length of a standard surgical mask: The basic size of the fabric cut for Variation 1 is 18.3 x 17 cm.
By the way, there are now even dentists who sew their own face masks according to my pattern (you can find a quote further down under the topic of fabrics).
Video tutorial for the improvised face mask (Instagram & Youtube)
I have the right YouTube video for both variations for you (see below). This way, you can download the PDF with the pattern for the corresponding variation (link to the chapter) and simply sew it based on the video.
YouTube tutorial: Variation 1
YouTube tutorial: Variation 2 (popular)
Download: Pattern and instructions
Variation 1 is sewn with bias tape and a nose bridge.
Variation 2 (very popular) does not require any bias tape or nose bridge.
Download face mask freebook & pattern
Important: Reproduction and distribution of the pattern or instructions are not permitted. If you would like to sell items sewn according to this pattern, you need this license.
Materials & accessories used to sew the breathing mask
You can sew the improvised face mask from simple woven cotton fabric* and make it one, two, or even three layers thick. However, jersey, flannel, molton*, linen*, and many other fabrics are also suitable for the project.
Also great: sew the face mask from fabric scraps. This way, you can also tackle your pile of leftovers! If you want to sew sustainably, you can also easily conjure up a face mask from worn-out clothing!
Practical material tips for the homemade face mask
If you want to use the face mask as dust protection or respiratory protection, I recently received the following feedback from a dentist:
"Hello Sabine, I have absolutely no idea about sewing, but in view of the current shortage of face masks, I was interested in finding instructions for a homemade one.
A great idea! However, I think one should use molton fabrics for the mask, single or double-layered, because they already have a very dense fiber mesh anyway and additionally become denser with every wash, which allows fewer and fewer droplets or germs through."
Molton by the meter* can be bought very easily online. It is cheap and, if there is any left over, can be wonderfully used as batting for bags or pot holders.
Also well-suited: muslin. The fine cotton fabric is double-layered and has a slight crinkle structure.
A really hot tip for budget-conscious people: If you want to sew a great face mask but don't want to invest much money in fabric: Take a look at my post on 8 secret sources for fabrics! :)
A little extra tip: If you want to wash the mask at high temperatures, you can also sew it from bed linen. Cotton sheets* are great for this. Even if these materials are often sold with a washing recommendation of 60 degrees. Simply wash once at 90 degrees before processing, then nothing will shrink anymore.
And if you use boil-proof elastic band*, your masks will naturally also be boil-proof afterwards!
For masks made of antibacterial fabric, you can perfectly use the shield fabric by the meter* from Albstoffe.
Important information on Molton & Kalmuk
Many blog readers write to me that they don't like sewing the face mask from cotton, but rather use molton or kalmuk*. Reason: These fabrics are softer and more comfortable on the skin. At the same time, they are firm and brushed, so they filter the air you breathe better.
Following a suggestion in the comments, I have informed myself again regarding the quality of the molton fabric: Use a molton for the face mask that you can be sure does not contain any harmful substances. These can enter your airways when inhaled. I use molton* from Hemmers, which is also suitable for baby clothing.
By the way, it is also possible to sew the face mask in two layers: the outer "chic" layer made of colorful cotton fabric, the layer that is close to the face made of molton or kalmuk.
There are also cheap pre-cut molton cloths* that are Oeko-Tex Standard certified. This means that your masks are highly likely to be free of harmful substances. These molton cloths (they are also available with a beautiful print design*!) are often used for baby textiles and are therefore tested for harmful substances.
It is important that you wash the cloths before use, preferably at 95° degrees. This causes the fabric to shrink "into shape," and there will be no nasty surprises after the first trip to the washing machine.
Pre-cut molton cloths are particularly easy to handle, especially for sewing beginners, because you don't have to deal with large pieces of fabric... ;)
Which materials are suitable for the nose bridge?
For this, we have to look at: What does such a nose bridge even do on a face mask?
In the lower area, the mask is guided around the chin and closes there tightly.
In the upper area, however, the nose is in the way. There, the mask needs some "guidance" so that it sits in the right position.
So, what does the nose bridge do? It ensures that the mask also lies close to the face in the upper area and does not slip. After all, the goal of a face mask is to filter breathing air in both directions. And air that flows past the mask is inhaled unfiltered.
The mask should be readjusted each time it is put on. A good fit is important: Theoretically, one should still be able to work unhindered with such a mask on.
Of course, you can sew in a firm but flexible wire. Feel free to use a double or triple-folded floral or craft wire.
However: Experience shows that the masks for which I have added a nose bridge* fit the most beautifully and are the most dimensionally stable.
The good thing about file strips is that they have a slightly wider contact surface and do not cause pressure points. Nevertheless, they are still narrow enough to disappear into the bias tape without any problems.
Another advantage: They are available inexpensively in every supermarket. That's a factor too, right? ;)
My tip: If you prefer masks without a bridge, definitely check out my other free mask patterns.
A note on bias tape
You can of course buy the bias tape* that you need for this sewing project (Variation 1). However, you can also easily make it yourself. It's super easy and goes lickety-split. I show you how to do this in my tutorial making bias tape easily yourself.
Especially if you want to wash the face mask at high temperatures, you should use bias tape that consists of 100% cotton and does not bleed when washed.
For those who don't like skin contact with cotton bias tape, I recommend jersey bias tape*. You can easily make that yourself. Or you can buy it like I do at Hemmers.
I process jersey bias tape just like cotton bias tape:
The mask then snuggles softly against the edges.
Sewing machine tips for sewing the face mask
If you choose a fabric combination for the mask, for example made of molton, flannel, or cotton fabrics, it can happen that this presents a challenge for your sewing machine.
Be sure to also read my blog posts about sewing over thick spots and handling the walking foot! That is guaranteed to help you further. :)
If you haven't worked with bias tape before, you might need a little more info when binding the breathing mask. You can find everything important about processing bias tape in my separate tutorial on this topic.
Important accessories to make your own face mask
- Pattern: Variation 1 (with bias tape) and Variation 2 (without bias tape and bridge)
- only Variation 1: 60 – 70 cm cotton bias tape*
- Nose bridge*
- Pins*
- Marking pen*
- 2 x 21 cm elastic band*, length depending on elasticity
- Fabric clips*
- Rotary cutter*
- Scissors*
No elastic band* on hand? Then you can also use narrow, rolled jersey strips instead, just like I do in the sewing video! Many sewing fans also simply use hair ties*. They are quite durable and available in many colors.
If you sew the elastic band on in two separate pieces, you can also easily add a cord stopper* to it. They even come in very mini sizes... :)
Where can I find the face mask sewing pattern?
You can download the pattern and sewing instructions for both versions as a PDF for free.
How should I wash the face mask?
I am asked time and again on my Facebook page, and even more often here in the comments, how to wash the face mask.
Follow care instructions: The fabric used
Good fabric shops include care instructions in the product description. From this, you can see at what temperature your new fabric can be washed and ironed.
You may also find out whether it can be tumble-dried or bleached. If you are upcycling old clothing, you can follow the instructions on the laundry tag.
If you stick to them, your fabric will stay nice for a long time.
If you don't, you have to expect that the fabric will lose its sheen quite quickly. :)
If you would like to sew your face mask from colorful cotton fabrics: Go ahead! If you wash it with a special laundry sanitizer* that kills bacteria and viruses, for example, a lower wash temperature is sufficient. And your fabric stays nice.
Washing the face mask in the washing machine
It is recommended to place the masks in a wash bag for cleaning. This helps to protect the fabric.
In principle, however, many jersey and sweatshirt fabrics can withstand temperatures of 60 - 90 degrees. Use a laundry sanitizer if necessary. Additionally, you can also iron the mask. This gives you a high probability of having killed off any pathogens.
Some blog visitors have asked whether the nose wires will rust in the machine. I have used file fasteners on almost all masks and cannot find any rust stains.
Sterilizing the mask in the microwave
A mask is, of course, not meant to last forever. Washing in the washing machine in particular takes a toll on the fabric edges.
Instead of a hot wash, you can also sterilize the mask in the microwave. Place the mask on a plate with the outside facing up and spray it with a little tap water. Place an additional bowl of water next to it. Turn the microwave on for 2 - 3 minutes at at least 750 watts.
The water vapor generated during microwave operation sterilizes the mask and kills about 99% of the pathogens.
But be careful: This method is only suitable for masks without metal wires!
Sterilizing the mask in the oven
Sterilizing face masks in the oven can also be a good way to quickly get the masks back into operation.
Place the mask on a suitable base and put it in an oven preheated to at least 120 degrees for about 10 minutes. Here, too, generating additional steam can help.
This means that the mask can be dampened. You can also place a container of water in the oven.
Sterilizing the face mask with an iron
This is also a way to effectively kill heat-sensitive pathogens.
To do this, iron the fabric with steam on the highest setting for at least 2 - 3 minutes. Afterwards, the mask is ready for use again.
The intended use
Are you wearing the face mask to protect yourself or others? And would you like to rid the masks of germs after wearing them? Then it makes sense to use a boil-proof fabric (or a laundry sanitizer, as written above). Then you can easily put the masks into the boil wash.
If there are specific pathogens you want to kill, you should keep the following in mind:
Not every laundry detergent or laundry sanitizer kills every pathogen. You should check here that the laundry sanitizer is actually suitable for that specific pathogen.
Then you are on the safe side. :)
Selling sewn masks
If you would like to sell masks sewn according to my patterns, you need a license. You can download it in my shop, fill it out, and get started right away.
How to take off the mask
First of all, you should try not to touch the outside when taking off the mask. Grasp the mask by the elastic bands and put it directly into the laundry or a collection container that can be disinfected.
Afterward, you should wash your hands for at least 30 seconds with warm water and soap. Feel free to write to me in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions!
Happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
Comments
Comments are loading …